Usher had nothing but positive things to say when asked about his incarcerated pal, Sean “Diddy” Combs.
During an interview with Forbes, the “Nice & Slow” singer was asked to give one word that comes to mind when he thinks of the Bad Boy Records founder, who is currently behind bars after being convicted of two counts of transportation to engage in prostitution.
“Legacy,” Usher, 47, simply replied.
Forbes senior writer Jabari Young then questioned if the pop star could explain to young kids about avoiding negativity that “showed up” in Combs’ story today.
“I mean, this might be a bit controversial, but in the same way I think many people choose to look past the reality of what our country is, the standards that we now stand on, we can’t ignore the reality of the history,” Usher responded.
“But in many ways, um, I think certain people are prosecuted and maybe not recognized for the greatness, you know … that they offer,” he added.
“I don’t have anything negative to say about Sean Combs because my experience was not what the world has seen and how he’s been misrepresented.”
Usher said he is “not saying that every man is perfect” and doesn’t “have flaws,” but he can’t ignore the contributions Combs made as a musician.
“I can’t with any sense of humanity not recognize the valuable contributions that this man made for us as Black entrepreneurs, for us as businessmen, for us as people who transition, you know, culture and ideas into something that’s tangible … and becomes business,” he shared.
“So many people benefited from what he created … and I acknowledge that. And that’s why I see him as legacy,” Usher said.
The “OMG” singer, who became a mentee to Combs as a teenager, referred to the disgraced hip-hop mogul as a “really, really hard teacher” whom he was able to learn from “in real time.”
“I put respect on his name because I realized that what I learned as a businessman — before I even understood what business was — came as a result of seeing the incredible things that he was able to do and the way that he positioned himself as a businessman,” Usher explained.
“There are trials and tribulations that come with the pressures of success and power,” he added.
“But what we choose to do with it is what I hope that you see with me and hopefully other people that I’m involved with.”
Page Six has reached out to Combs’ rep for comment, but did not immediately hear back.
Last July, Combs was found not guilty on two counts of sex trafficking by force, fraud or coercion and on racketeering conspiracy. However, he was convicted on two counts of transportation for prostitution.
The “I Need a Girl” hitmaker, 56, was subsequently sentenced to 50 months behind bars and was transferred from the Metropolitan Detention Center in Brooklyn, NY, to the Federal Correctional Institution, Fort Dix, in NJ.
Page Six exclusively reported earlier this month that Combs’ prison release date was pushed up from June 4, 2028, to April 25, 2028.
The “All About the Benjamins” emcee is still facing dozens of lawsuits with accusations ranging from sexual assault and drugging to trafficking. He has maintained his innocence.
If you or someone you know is affected by any of the issues raised in this story, call the Sexual Assault Hotline at 1-800-330-0226.
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